Humboldt Unified adopts Heggerty phonemic‑awareness curriculum after board discussion

The Humboldt Unified School District Governing Board voted to adopt the Heggerty phonemic awareness curriculum for kindergarten through second grade and for targeted small‑group instruction, the board decided Monday after a presentation by district staff.

District staff member Diane Salinger told the board Heggerty is aligned with current “science of reading” practices and that the district has piloted the program at all six elementary schools. Salinger said Heggerty focuses on daily phonemic‑awareness routines and comes with decodable readers, digital resources and family‑friendly newsletters to support home practice.

In the presentation Salinger described Heggerty as a 24‑week set of daily lessons that teach sound isolation, blending, segmenting and manipulation — skills staff said many classroom teachers identified as an instructional gap. She said Title I, EL and special‑education teachers have used Heggerty for pre‑teaching and reteaching, and that teacher surveys show positive reception and early signs of improved phonics outcomes.

Board members asked how Heggerty fits with the district’s existing literacy tools. Salinger and Superintendent Griffin said Heggerty is intended to supplement, not replace, adopted phonics and literacy resources. The presenters said Lexia and the district’s Spalding use will continue; Heggerty will be used where its focused phonemic work is the best fit.

After discussion about instructional alignment, motions and a second, the board approved adoption of the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness curriculum. The motion was moved by Dr. Dillinger and seconded by Mr. Sprague; the motion carried by voice vote.